Fareastdriver, I couldn't disagree more.
For my sins I've been both a factory worker at a lathe (nightshift) and a helicopter pilot (worldwide operations). The factory was full of people wanting to get out and do something better; none of them thought of retiring.
As for helicopter pilots dreaming of retiring, they must be working particularly lush grass; jobs don't last long enough for long distance planning and pensions are abysmal.
Finally if you have flown helicopters all your life it's likely that you have some affection for the work; to be told by a bean counter (or the left hand seat) that you are to retire usually means that somebody wants your seat. Only if he's better than you and you can no longer pass your base checks do they have this right.